Tragedy Strikes Tenerife Shore Excursion
A tragic incident unfolded on Saturday, 8th November 2025, during a shore excursion in Tenerife. A powerful wave hit a pier in Puerto de la Cruz, sweeping several people, including cruise passengers and locals, into the Atlantic Ocean. The event has left the cruise community in shock.
Fatal Incident at Puerto de la Cruz
Among those affected was a Dutch tourist who tragically lost her life. She suffered a cardiac arrest after being rescued from the sea and was pronounced dead before reaching the hospital. At least ten tourists, mostly cruise passengers who had arrived that morning, were involved in the incident. The specific cruise ship remains unconfirmed, though Silversea’s Silver Dawn and TUI Cruises’ Mein Schiff 3 were both docked nearby.
Weather Warnings Ignored
Sebastián Quintana, from the coastal safety platform Canarias, 1,500 km de Costa, stated that none of the victims had entered the water voluntarily. They were merely observing the sea. The Canary Islands were under a red weather alert, with waves reaching up to 15 feet (4.5 metres). Despite these warnings, the tragedy occurred.
Second Incident on the Same Day
Later that afternoon, another wave swept six French tourists away at Playa del Roque de las Bodegas. Emergency teams, including a rescue helicopter, managed to save all six. One woman was airlifted to hospital with moderate injuries, while others were taken by ambulance. Reports suggest the group ignored a warning beacon indicating hazardous conditions.
Multiple Fatalities and Injuries
In total, three people lost their lives, and 15 were injured within five hours due to the unusually strong waves. Quintana described it as “the most tragic day” for Tenerife’s coastline in recent years. Images from the scene showed emergency personnel and bystanders assisting drenched victims as waves continued to crash ashore.
Cruise Lines Respond
Cruise lines in the region, including Silversea, TUI Cruises, and P&O Cruises, are closely monitoring the situation. They are collaborating with tour operators to reassess safety procedures for excursions. Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine if safety measures were adequate at the time. Initial reports indicate that while red alerts were active, no visible barriers or warnings were present at the pier.
Calls for Enhanced Coastal Safety
This disaster has sparked renewed calls for stricter coastal safety measures in the Canary Islands. The region is prone to sudden “mar de fondo” swells, long-period waves generated far offshore, which can strike without warning. As Tenerife and its neighbouring islands remain popular winter cruise destinations, ensuring visitor safety is paramount.
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